Model of Care
After a number of years consulting with the sector regarding a model of care for eye health, the Ministry of Health commissioned Ernst and Young (EY) to compile a report titled “Age-related Macular Degeneration – Model of Care assessment and recommendations”. The report was finalised in August 2018 and covers 3 broad areas:
Prevention, early detection and risk stratification
Intravitreal anti-VEGF Treatment
Low vision rehabilitation
Macular Degeneration NZ (MDNZ) has worked closely with the Ministry of Health throughout the report process and is pleased to see a number of the 20 recommendations already being implemented. For example, PHARMAC has approved the use of Eylea as a second line agent when specific PHARMAC imposed criteria are met. This is great news for patients with MD unresponsive to Avastin. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has adopted diagnostic and treatment guidelines that are being rolled out across all District Health Boards (DHB) in NZ.
However, there is still work to do. MDNZ currently awaits a commitment to increased awareness, prevention and early detection of MD. MDNZ continues to influence the development and implementation of the one free eye check policy adopted by the coalition government that should assist early detection of MD. Until such time as the government financially supports awareness and education activities the level of awareness of MD in NZ will remain low (currently 59%). This contrasts starkly with an awareness level of greater than 90% in Australia.
Recently, several independent organisations and individuals with an interest in Low Vision rehabilitation, including MDNZ, consulted extensively with the Ministry of Health in order to better define additional work that needs to be undertaken in this area. Collectively, we continue to await outcomes from this consultation.
MDNZ encourages you to take a look at the report. Please let MDNZ know what you think, in particular any ways in which we can continue to advance progression on the model of care to support people living with MD.
